Thousands expected for Christmas lights switch-on

Last year the event attracted more than 8,000 people

Thousands of people are expected to gather in the Isle of Man's capital to watch the big annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Douglas will be the first part of the island to illuminate the streets for the festive period, with towns across the island set to follow in the coming fortnight.

Organised by Douglas Council, activities will begin from 17:30 GMT, with more than 77,000 Christmas lights across the city to spring into life at 19:00.

Douglas city manager Oliver Cheshire said the event "brings people together" and was also "great for the businesses" in the city centre.

"With the festivities being on the doorstep of the shops it brings a lot of extra footfall in, which is great for both retail and hospitality businesses," he added.

In recent years, the occasion has attracted some 8,000 people, with organisers expecting a similar figure this time.

Free activities will begin from 17:30 GMT

A fairground on North Quay, a fire show on King Street, a snow garden on Castle Street and an outdoor cinema near the Villa Marina are among the activities set to take place.

Local brass bands will be playing on Howard Street, with a performance area on Granville Street also providing entertainment.

Mr Cheshire said: "The big thing I always notice is you hear so many conversations going on for people who haven't seen each other for years, so there is a massive community element to the event."

He advised that no events had planned this year for Regent Street, which had previously been part of the lights switch-on.

Free parking in the council's Shaw's Brow and Bottleneck car parks will be available on Thursday evenings between 17:00 and 22:00 in the run up to Christmas.